Wheels are straight ahead

 

Fantastic write up, just used it to fix the issue on my wife's Crossfire. Simple to understand and methodical. If it just provided some smaller hands to get in some of those spaces it would be perfect

 

Is there a Mercedes model that you can order a key barrel. I was wondering if a 2005 SLK280 ignition barrel might work?

 

What are you asking? Do you mean the key tumbler assembly? Or do you refer to the whole switch/lock assembly?

 

The last SLK variant that was like our crossfires was the 2003 model year. The 04 and later were a newer generation of SLK's so I doubt those would fit / match up.

 

I would like to thank DRHRSH for their fantastic instructions for replacing the ignition switch/wheel lock. I am really thankful to those that make the effort and take the time to publish these kinds of repair instructions, it is so helpful to the rest of us. Again, thank you! I managed to swap out the ignition lock on my 2003 SLK today in less than 3 hours, but that would not have been possible without such excellent instructions. It is such a relief to know my car is going to start now. Best regards, Rich.

 

For all the contributions from people who didn't have to, Thanks

It took me about 5 hours, but when I start the car, it was through the help of you guys and the PDF file created with pictures that I was able to fix the issue.

On a side note, without the help of my boyfriend, except for pulling the connector from the assembly and helping twist the black cylinder for me

Thanks,

Squirrely

 

I've been dealing with this sticky ignition issue for 5-6 months...slowly getting worse. Almost got stranded today and finally did some googling which eventually brought me here. Used the v4 PDF, tore it down, took out the bastard spring and pin...and put her back together. So far so good.

Thanks a million for the write up!

 

THe fix works - I fixed my second Crossfire in 2010, drove it over 70,000 miles for almost five years without issue.

 

Tried this fix over the last few days. Just got the ignition free after tons of drilling through the locking pin. Took out the little piece (there was no spring with it haha) and then put the ignition back into the car. After hooking up the three wires on and near the ignition housing I decided to see if the car would start. The car turned over and immediately died. Tried a couple more times and now the car won't turn over at all. Lights and everything else are fine. Any idea what I did wrong?

edit: Put the transponder ring around the key and it worked perfect. I am a genius...Who would have thought the car would need the transponder ring to transmit the signal? haha Anyway thanks for this awesome post! Saved me tons of hassle and money!

 

Yes, you are indeed. I'd a never thought that

Where in Alabama are you ?

 

Whew.. thought there was an issue.. then I read this and knew better...
-------> Where in Alabama are you <-------

 

Well my car was working great, but got in it a few minutes ago and the car stopped turning over again! Oh, and im in Auburn, Al. Just about 3 mins away feom maxichon. I believe he was telling me about you, but I thought I figured it out on my own.

 

Hey guys, I am still having trouble with the car. It seems to only start when it wants to. Left me stranded last night and wouldnt start til I came back to it later that night and waited for an hour. Then all of a sudden it worked perfectly. I even tried jumping the car, but still wouldnt start til 45 mins after. This morning I took out the RCM and it looks brand new, so I don't think that is the issue. Never had a problem before I fixed the ignition assembly so I am thinking I could have possible messed up somewhere. Maybe I didn't put the main electric harness connector from the back of the ignition assembly in all the way or something? Or possibly I messed up the transponder ring? I am not sure what my next move is so if anybody has any ideas on what I can try next I would love to hear about it! At least working on the car isn't boring!

 

RCM = lights on dash, starter does not engage at all
SKREEM = starter engages, engine don't catch, for 3 attempts, then nothing.
FUEL RELAY/PUMP/FILTER = starter engages, engine starts, then dies

also :
on automatics, could be the pulse module
on 6 speeds, could be the clutch switch

 

My key won't turn at all. Is this something pep boys can fix, or do I need to take it to the dealer?

 

Is this something pep boys can fix, or do I need to take it to the dealer?

The answer is NO! & NO! The last place you want to go is the Stealership and Pep Boys can't help you. You need to go to Post #1 & read the PDF for Sticky Key Fix. This is something you can do yourself. Since you can't turn the key it won't be EZ. There are some possible temporary fixes that are on this forum. ie: Lube the lock cylinder, use some spray cool down lubricant.

 

Haha I know how frightening it sounds to take out the ignition, but it was really easy. Drilling out the locking pin took a little while, but once I found the right dremel (bought one for 30$ at wal mart) bit it took about 5 mins. Putting it back together was also very simple. I recommend just following the posts in the beginning of the thread.

 

Wow that is very helpful and simple. I think it may be the skreem then. I do remember it engaging three times specifically then nothing. I will look into other threads about that. Thank you so much, you are a life saver!

 

Side note.. Skreem symptoms..
Bad Skreem module
Missing RFID chip in fob
Detached wire from ignition "ring"
Detached wire from Skreem module end


Do not play "lets try again" over 10 times with the battery.. 30 failed attempts at start is reported to cause ECU to "self destruct"..